The Philadelphia 76ers and Quentin Grimes’ representatives met on Wednesday but remain “very far apart” on a new contract, according to The Athletic.
Grimes has two paths in front of him, per the report. He could sign the one-year, $8.7 million qualifying offer, which carries a no-trade clause and would make him an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Quentin Grimes’ Options on the Table
The other possibility is a one-year balloon payment deal. That structure would waive the no-trade clause and give the 76ers flexibility to trade him during the season, while paying him more up front.
Philadelphia’s preference is a longer commitment. The team has interest in a four-year deal, though The Athletic reported that the two sides remain distant on financial terms.
Grimes is open to a multi-year agreement, but not at the current numbers.
He emerged as a key contributor last season, averaging 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 28 games for Philadelphia.
Deadline and Leverage
As part of Wednesday’s meeting, Grimes’ camp proposed pushing the Oct. 1 deadline to sign the qualifying offer back one week to Oct. 8.
The 76ers are expected to reject that request, signaling their unwillingness to extend the stalemate deeper into training camp.
The team values Grimes’ perimeter defense and shooting, but also holds restricted free agent rights that give it leverage. Some teams believe that if he performs well this season, they will be in a position to pay him next summer.
Philadelphia’s guard depth also plays into the talks. All-Star Tyrese Maxey leads the rotation, alongside rookie lottery pick Jared McCain and first-rounder VJ Edgecombe.
Grimes will remain away from the team for now. He is not expected to attend Friday’s media day or travel to Abu Dhabi, where the Sixers open their preseason against his former team, the New York Knicks.
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